I collect bits of conversation about Mr. Dupree. If I add everything together, it all amounts to one thing: When you hear how people talk about a man after he’s dead, you want to live an interesting life, give them a reason to say, ‘I miss that person.

Personally, I would rather have a boy notice the book I was reading and tell me he liked it, too. That seems like a better sign of caring about someone than a kiss some French guy invented.

There’s the parent you want and the parent you have.

Well, I would say that every time you buy a new blouse or some wrinkle cream to make you look good, go and buy a book right away. It’s just as important to keep your mind beautiful, don’t you think?

Lisa’s mama says all people are part of Christ’s body, so some people have to be the armpits.

I can’t be sure, but I think love is someone who gets you.

It’s funny how you don’t know you are a bunch of pieces until someone hugs you together.

I’ve learned that you have to choose courage each day like you choose what shirt to wear. It is not automatic.

He is hard, frozen ice cream and I am a weak spoon. What I’ve learned is this: You don’t get much ice cream for all the hard work you put in, and the spoon ends up bent.

This is something every girl should know in addition to sewing on a button and applying mascara correctly. Before I know it, I'm asking her, 'If you had a daughter what would you tell her?'Mrs. Dupree smiles. 'Oh let me think.' she says. 'Well, I would say that every time you buy a new blouse or some wrinkle cream to make you look good, go and buy a book right away. It's just as important to keep your mind beautiful, don't you think?